Overview:
Astragalus aboriginorum Richards. var. glabriusculus (Hook.) Rydb. is a perennial flowering plant known for its medicinal properties. It belongs to the Fabaceae family and is native to North America, particularly found in the Intermountain Region.
General Appearance:
The plant Astragalus aboriginorum Richards. var. glabriusculus (Hook.) Rydb. grows up to 1-2 feet tall and has a woody stem with numerous branches. The leaves of the plant are composed of a dozen to a few dozen leaflets and are alternate, meaning they are not opposite each other. The plant blooms from June to August, producing whitish-pink to lavender flowers in clustered spikes. The fruit of the plant is a legume, which is flattened and usually has blood-red seeds.
Common Names:
Astragalus aboriginorum Richards. var. glabriusculus (Hook.) Rydb. is also commonly known by the names 'Intermountain milkvetch', 'Stickleaf', and 'Aboriginal milkvetch'.
Uses:
The roots of the plant Astragalus aboriginorum Richards. var. glabriusculus (Hook.) Rydb. have been used traditionally in Native American medicine to treat various ailments such as kidney and lung problems, diarrhea, and skin conditions. The plant has also been found to possess many bioactive compounds, including triterpenoids, flavonoids, and polysaccharides, which have several potential health benefits. Research has shown that the plant may have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-tumor properties.
Typical Growth Conditions for Astragalus aboriginorum Richards. var. glabriusculus (Hook.) Rydb.
Astragalus aboriginorum Richards. var. glabriusculus (Hook.) Rydb. is a herbaceous perennial plant that is commonly found in western North America. It typically grows in dry, open areas such as grasslands, sagebrush, and shrublands. The plant prefers well-drained soils and is tolerant of drought conditions.
Light Requirements
Astragalus aboriginorum Richards. var. glabriusculus (Hook.) Rydb. prefers full sun to partial shade. It can grow in areas with bright indirect light, but it will not thrive in dark or heavily shaded areas. The plant requires at least six hours of sunlight a day to produce optimal growth.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It can grow in areas with hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters. The ideal temperature range for growth is between 20-25 degrees Celsius, but the plant can tolerate temperatures as low as -20 degrees Celsius.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained soils that are slightly acidic to neutral in pH. The optimal soil pH for growth is between 6.0-7.0. It can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, the plant does not grow well in soils that are constantly wet or poorly drained. Adding organic matter to soil can help improve drainage and fertility.
Cultivation Methods
Astragalus aboriginorum Richards. var. glabriusculus (Hook.) Rydb. is commonly found in the western regions of North America, particularly in the Great Basin and Colorado Plateau regions. It thrives in dry, well-draining soil and prefers full sunlight. The plant is relatively easy to cultivate, and it can grow from seed or cuttings. It is recommended to plant the seeds in early spring or fall and place them in a sunny, warm location.
Watering Needs
The plant needs moderate watering, at least once a week during its active growth phase. However, during the dormant phase, watering should be reduced. The soil should be kept moist but not saturated, to avoid root rot. It is important to avoid watering the foliage, as it can promote the growth of fungal diseases.
Fertilization
The plant requires minimal fertilization. However, it is recommended to use a general-purpose fertilizer during the growing season. It should be applied at least once a month, following the manufacturer's instructions. Fertilization should be stopped before the plant's dormant phase.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for the plant's survival, but it can help promote its growth and shape. It is recommended to trim off any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Additionally, pruning can help maintain the plant's size and shape.
Propagation methods for Astragalus aboriginorum Richards. var. glabriusculus (Hook.) Rydb.
Astragalus aboriginorum Richards. var. glabriusculus (Hook.) Rydb. is a perennial plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. Propagation of this plant can be achieved through either seed propagation or vegetative propagation.
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method used to propagate Astragalus aboriginorum Richards. var. glabriusculus (Hook.) Rydb. From the pods, seeds can be extracted and sowed in a well-drained and fertile soil mixture. The best time to sow the seeds is in late winter or early spring when the temperature is around 20°C.
Before sowing the seeds, they are soaked in warm water for 24 hours to soften their hard seed coat. After soaking, the seeds are dried and sowed in a container. They are covered with a thin layer of soil and watered to keep the soil moist. Germination of the seeds can take up to several weeks.
Vegetative propagation
Vegetative propagation of Astragalus aboriginorum Richards. var. glabriusculus (Hook.) Rydb. can be achieved through division, stem cuttings or layering.
Division involves separating the root clumps and planting them individually. This method works well for older plants that have developed a healthy root system.
Stem cuttings involve taking 10-15 cm cuttings from healthy plants and planting them in a moist soil mixture. It is important to keep the soil moist until roots develop.
Layering is done by selecting a healthy stem and bending it down towards the ground, burying it in soil and holding it down with a stake. After a few months, roots will form at the bent portion of the stem. The rooted shoot can then be cut from the parent plant and potted.
Disease management
Astragalus aboriginorum var. glabriusculus is relatively resistant to diseases. However, it may sometimes experience foliar diseases caused by fungi such as Alternaria and Phomopsis.
One way to manage these fungal diseases is by practicing good sanitation. Remove infected plant parts and debris to prevent the spread of spores. Additionally, it's important to avoid overhead watering that can promote the development and spread of fungal spores.
If the disease is severe, an application of fungicide may be necessary. Make sure to use a fungicide that's recommended for use on Astragalus aboriginorum var. glabriusculus, and follow the instructions carefully.
Pest management
Astragalus aboriginorum var. glabriusculus is susceptible to pest infestations, including aphids, spider mites, and grasshoppers.
One way to manage aphids and spider mites is by hosing down the plant with a strong jet of water to knock off the insects. Alternatively, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to the plant, following the instructions on the label.
Grasshoppers can be managed by using sticky traps or by applying pesticides. However, it's important to note that pesticides can also harm beneficial insects, so use them judiciously.
Overall, the best way to prevent pest infestations is by maintaining the plant's health through proper watering, fertilization, and pruning. Healthy plants are better able to resist pests and diseases.
